Florida State University’s College of Music will start accepting applications this month for a new Bachelor of Arts in Music Business, a degree program designed to prepare students for a rapidly evolving industry. Applications are open through March 1, according to a university announcement on Wednesday.
The new major, housed within a newly established “Music Industry” academic area of the College of Music, reflects a broader institutional focus on industry-centered education and experiential learning, said Greg Jones, associate dean of the college. The program aims to bridge the gap between academic study and professional opportunities through partnerships with the Herbert Wertheim College of Business, the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, and industry collaborators.
The curriculum will integrate music, business, law, marketing, technology, and management, equipping graduates for roles in artist management, music publishing, recording and production, touring, licensing, and emerging digital platforms. Alan Blanchard, a specialized teaching faculty member in the College of Music, will lead the program. Blanchard brings experience in artist management and a track record of working on GRAMMY Award-winning albums.
“I’m excited to launch this new Music Business major,” Blanchard said. “I’ve been fortunate to have many inspiring mentors who have played a key role in shaping my career so far, and I seem forward to paying that forward by mentoring students, linking them to real-world experiences, and creating meaningful, hands-on opportunities that fully immerse them in the music industry.”
To support the new program, the College of Music has completed the first phase of renovations to its recording studio facilities, providing students with access to modern production and collaborative spaces equipped with industry-standard tools, and technologies. Dean of the College of Music, Todd Queen, stated that the program demonstrates the college’s continued leadership in music education and its commitment to providing pathways for students seeking careers in music.
The launch of the Music Business degree program follows the introduction of another new major at FSU: Community Music. Announced in December 2025, the Community Music program is the first in the nation to offer a specific Bachelor of Arts degree in the field. Unlike the Music Business program, the Community Music degree does not require an audition for admission, instead utilizing video submissions and interviews.
